Friday night’s protest started at 5:30 p.m. on the New Haven Green. People came together to protest against hate and racism, which some believe President-elect Trump stands for. There have been similar protests in cities across the country.

Friday’s rally was supposed to bring young people together, but hundreds of people of all ages attended. They came together with candles and signs. However, organizers say the rally was not just about Donald Trump.

“We organized this today to bring the community together,” said Jeremy Cajigas, a Citywide Youth Coalition Board member. “This is definitely not an anti-Trump rally but a hope rally, a love fest.”

Still, many protesters were there to speak out against Trump. As one of the speakers addressed the crowd, a Trump supporter shouted, “Make American great again.” The crowd responded by chanting, “Love trumps hate.”

“I think it’s just really important to stand in solidarity to all the people who have felt marginalized by Donald Trump’s campaign,” said Andrea Desmond, who attended the rally.

Some of the protesters were there with another message. A veteran, who only wanted to be identified as Erik, said he was at the rally to bring attention to another issue.

“I’m here because we have 22 veterans dying every day, committing suicide,” he said.

After a peaceful rally on the green, the protesters marched, bringing their signs and their message through the streets of downtown New Haven. Their mission was to be heard and to push for change.

“I don’t want people to think this is a time for healing,” said protester Rachel Turecek. “I want people to know this is a time for action.”

Police led them and followed close behind to keep everyone safe. The march ended back at the green, as the group united again under the American flag to let their voices be heard.

“Justice does not end here,” said Cajigas. “Just because Donald Trump is in office does not mean that our freedoms are gone. We will continue fighting. This is definitely not the end but the beginning.”

The rally was held just across the street from where protesters gathered on Church Street Thursday evening.